Skip to main content
Undocumented Student Services USS
  1. HOME
  2. Programs
  3. Equity Grant

Equity GrantEquity Grant logo

What is the Equity Grant?

The purpose of the USS Equity Grant is to remove financial barriers that keep undocumented students from participating in opportunities that support their professional development, preparation for graduate school, and leadership development.  

 Deadline: May 23, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. 

Eligibility for Equity Grant

  • An undergraduate or graduate student with current enrollment at UC San Diego for the current academic year in which you apply. UC San Diego Extended Studies student are not eligible to apply. 
  • Ineligible for federal financial aid (e.g., Pell Grants, Direct Loans). 
  • Have AB 540 California Non-Resident Tuition Exemption. 
  • Have a California Dream Act (CADAA) Application on file. 
  • Demonstrate sufficient financial need. 

Program Timeline

  • The Equity Grant covers eligible expenses during the 2026–2027 academic year, which ends on June 11, 2027.
  • The application deadline is May 23, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Applications submitted after this deadline will not be considered.
  • Students must be actively enrolled at UC San Diego when the expense is paid and when participating in the professional development activity. Graduating students must use their funding before their graduation date.
  • Activities must generally take place during the same academic quarter in which the application is submitted. For example, if you apply during Winter Quarter, your activity must take place during Winter Quarter.

How Much Funding Can I Receive?

  • Eligible students may receive up to $500 per academic year, depending on available funding.
  • You may request the full $500 for one activity or divide it among multiple eligible expenses throughout the academic year.
  • For example, you could receive $250 toward graduate school application fees in Fall Quarter and $250 toward a GRE preparation course in Spring Quarter.

What Can the Equity Grant Cover?

The Equity Grant supports eligible professional development opportunities, including:

  • Conference Registration Fees: Registration costs for conferences that support your academic or professional development.
  • Graduate School Preparation and Exams: Eligible expenses related to graduate school preparation, including application fees, entrance exams, and preparation courses.

Application Information

How Does the Application & Payment Process Work? 

  • Step 1: Submit Your Application
    • Complete the Equity Grant application and provide details about the activity, cost, and payment by the deadline.
  • Step 2: Wait for a Decision
    • Our team will review your application and notify you via email whether your request has been approved or denied.
  • Step 3: Schedule a Payment Appointment
    • If approved, you will receive instructions via email to schedule an appointment with a USS team member.
  • Step 4: Complete Your Payment
    • During your appointment, a USS team member will assist you with registration or purchasing and pay the approved expense directly on your behalf.

What Should I Have Ready to Submit my Application? 

  • Activity Details: Name and brief description of the conference, professional development opportunity, or activity you are requesting funding for.
  • Cost of Activity: Total cost of the expense and the amount of funding you are requesting.
  • Payment Deadline: The date by which registration or payment must be completed.
  • Registration or Payment Link: A direct website link where USS staff can review the cost and complete payment on your behalf.
  • Statement of Purpose: A brief explanation of how this opportunity will support your academic, personal, or professional development.

Important Reminder: Equity Grant funds are not distributed directly to students. If approved, you will be required to meet with a USS team member to complete payment on your behalf. We strongly recommend submitting your application at least two weeks before your payment deadline, as expedited processing and meetings cannot be guaranteed.

Application Link

Apply here! Questions? Contact undoc@ucsd.edu for questions or additional information.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Expenses Are Covered?

Expenses Covered:

  • Graduate school application fees (max. 3 per academic year) 
  • Graduate school test preparation course (max. 1 program per academic year)
  • Graduate school exam fees (GRE, LSAT MCAT etc.) (max. 1 program per academic year)
  • Graduate School Test Preparation Materials. See the message below. 
  • Professional conference attendance fees
  • UCSD extension courses geared toward professional development, grad school test prep courses, or leadership development

What Expenses Are Not Covered?

Expenses not covered:

  • Laptops or iPads
  • Professional clothing attire
  • Professional headshots or pictures
  • Degree-related expenses such as student fees, tuition, and books/materials for classes are not covered. 
  • Expenses for activities taking place in future academic years.
  • Expenses purchased prior to application approval (i.e. no retroactive reimbursements)
  • Professional conference travel expenses (lodging, travel, and meals).

How Much Does The Equity Grant Cover?

Eligible students may receive up to $500 in aid per academic year as long as funding remains available. Students may use the full $500 at once or in pieces. For example, a student may be granted $250 in the fall quarter to cover graduate application fees and $250 in the spring to cover the cost of a GRE prep course. 

In accordance with applicable Federal and State law and University policy, the University of California does not discriminate, or grant preferences, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and/or other protected categories.

More information about Proposition 209 can be found here.

More information about the University of California Anti-Discrimination Policy can be found here.